As college students, we have many responsibilities from studying for exams, writing 10 page papers, having a social life, to just getting enough sleep. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 85% of college students reported they felt overwhelmed by everything they had to do. Not only does being overwhelmed effect how students perform in class, it can also turn into depression. The American Psychological Association found that 36.4% of college students reported they had depression. To top all of this off, many depressed individuals are found to be more sedentary than those who are not depressed. Not to worry! There are several fun and easy things to do to get your blood pumping and increase your mood.
Break a Sweat for Happiness
Some of the best and easy ways to get your blood pumping is going to the gym or staying at home and doing a simple home workout. The American Journal of Psychiatry did a survey of adults for 11 years and those who participated in leisure-time exercise was associated with reduced incidence of future depression.
What is Leisure-Time Exercise?
Leisure-time exercise can be anything from:
Taking a walk with your dog
Swimming
Playing a sport
Jogging around the block
Taking the stairs at work
Leisure exercise can be anything that gets you moving!
Leisure-time exercise can be anything from:
Taking a walk with your dog
Swimming
Playing a sport
Jogging around the block
Taking the stairs at work
Leisure exercise can be anything that gets you moving!
Science of Exercise and the BRAIN!
If you still aren't convinced that exercising can help with your depressive state, during exercise your brain releases many neurotransmitters that play an important part of regulating your mood!
Dopamine: is the chemical in our brain that affects your emotions, movements, and your sensations of pleasure and pain!
Serotonin: is the chemical in our brain that controls emotional states and impulsiveness.
Some people with depression do not like taking SSRIs or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, which are anti-depressants. Many people with depression have tried exercise to get the serotonin releases they need!
If you still aren't convinced that exercising can help with your depressive state, during exercise your brain releases many neurotransmitters that play an important part of regulating your mood!
Dopamine: is the chemical in our brain that affects your emotions, movements, and your sensations of pleasure and pain!
Serotonin: is the chemical in our brain that controls emotional states and impulsiveness.
Some people with depression do not like taking SSRIs or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, which are anti-depressants. Many people with depression have tried exercise to get the serotonin releases they need!
Going on a hike or going on a walk can be just the thing you need to brighten up your day.